In a significant step towards peace and security in the region, three illegal firearms have been voluntarily surrendered to authorities in West Pokot County.
The move comes as part of the ongoing government amnesty programme aimed at disarming bandits operating across West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana counties.
On Tuesday evening, September 9, 2025, the county security team in West Pokot received three firearms from individuals formerly involved in bandit activities.
The surrender was made in response to calls by government officials during the recent Jukwaa la Usalama in Kapenguria, attended by Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen.
Among the surrendered weapons were an AK rifle with seven rounds of ammunition, handed over by Geoffrey Mutai from Chepkogogh location in Lomut Ward; an FN rifle with one round of ammunition, surrendered by Ywakan Loripit Atodongiro, a 54-year-old resident of Sekerot location, Masol Ward, in Pokot Central Sub County; and another AK-47 rifle with four rounds of ammunition, turned in by Muriyo Atodongiro Tuimot, aged 45.
The surrender is part of the ongoing peace initiative in the region, with the government encouraging individuals in possession of illegal firearms to come forward during the amnesty period.
Authorities had warned that failure to surrender such weapons would lead to legal consequences.
Led by West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif, the county team welcomed the gesture as a sign of improving cooperation between local communities and security agencies.
The county security team reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the North Rift region.
